Mastering Low and Mid-Speed Corners: KAWASAKI ZEPHYR1100 Custom by ARA-BULL

ARA-BULL's ZEPHYR1100

Even when saying "it runs well," there are various scenarios. Whether you aim for fast lap times on the track or seek enjoyable touring, or fun on winding roads, in the case of this Zephyr 1100, it is described as follows. "The owner likes to ride, but he is more street-oriented than race-oriented. Therefore, our target is for the owner to be able to ride comfortably in low and mid-speed corners that are common on the street. The bike turns in response to the natural movement of the rider's shoulders, rather than a large body movement like leaning in."

Mr. Sasaga from ARA-BULL answered in this way. The specific design involves keeping the ride height low, which tends to be raised when 17-inch wheels are used. The bank angle is also maintained (to ensure clearance between the bike body and engine and the road surface when leaning to the left or right). The brakes are not designed to be used aggressively to change the posture on the corner approach, but rather to create a posture and speed appropriate for the angle of the corner with a natural deceleration feel. It is more related to settings, but it is a setup that can be achieved by selecting and configuring parts and building the basic posture and ride height. In other words, there is room for the rider to move their body not only naturally but also aggressively. This range of movement can also be felt from the exterior. As the owner preferred a flashy look rather than a plain one, a fresh pattern and color are chosen, and the white wheels are also selected to match the color of the paint. The package reflects the concept of "sparkling but not flashy."

Handle

The master cylinders installed on the clip-on handlebars are Brembo RCS for both the front brake and clutch, the grips are made by Domino, and the bolts for each part are blue 64 titanium.

The configuration is set to respond to the rider's natural movements, which is achieved with clip-on handlebars, a Nitro Racing Step, and a Supreme Seat with a carefully considered shape. The engine tachometer has been replaced with a Stack ST200 (embedded in the stock case), and the steering stem is a Shabon Dama Short Offset Type.

Bodyworks

The exterior is based on the stock, but is fully painted by YF Design to create a custom, yet refreshing overall feel.

Engine

The frame is stock with an Active Sub-frame. The engine was converted to 1135cc with a JB-POWER φ76mm Piston Kit and Yoshimura ST-1 Camshafts. All parts are balanced to achieve a healthy specification, and a Round Type 16-stage Oil Cooler is installed to improve cooling performance.

Intake & Exhaust

The carburetor with titanium funnels with mesh is FCR φ37mm and is combined with a Shabon Dama Titanium Weld 4-1 Exhaust.

Chassis

The front fork is Ohlins Upright and the front brakes are radial mount Brembo Racing CNC 4P Calipers + Brembo Supersport φ320 Discs.

A Brembo GP2-SSCNC 2P Caliper is set on Sunstar Premium Racing Discs with Wheelie Support for the rear brake.

The rear shocks, combined with the Wheelie Swingarm, are Ohlins Grand Twin with ARA-BULL's original Single Rate Spring. The wheels are forged aluminum GASS RS-A wheels by OZ Racing in 3.50-17/5.50-17 sizes.

Gallery

Specifications

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